4 major observations from Panthers GM Scott Fitterer’s combine presser

Carolina Panthers culture shift

Matt Rhule’s dark cloud across the Carolina Panthers has mercifully evaporated. Replaced by a newfound purpose and professionalism that was sorely lacking during his inept three years at the helm.

This is something Scott Fitterer elaborated on during his NFL Combine presser. The general manager has noticed a complete culture shift, which began with Steve Wilks and was enhanced from the moment head coach Frank Reich separated himself from other potential head coaching candidates.

Fitterer was quick to point out the influence of team owner David Tepper, who is looking to restore faith after a few mistakes since buying the Panthers from Jerry Richardson. Something the billionaire is well on the way to attaining.

"“Not only have we added good coaches, we’ve started that change in culture. And that’s kind of been the biggest thing. Really, what started that was David Tepper came to us and said, hey, listen, I want the best. I’m not going to play for .500 football; we want to win championships here. We want to sustain this. And he said, basically, he would give us the resources. He said, just bring me the best. And he’s backed that up.”"

Tepper is clearly intent on righting some serious wrongs this off-season. His road to redemption is off to a good start and although he remains heavily involved in football matters, there is far more confidence in the football people alongside him to prevent previous rash moves from taking place once again.

There’s a lot of work ahead. But this is an undoubted positive after so much underachievement on and off the field.